How to Train Your Dog Not to Destroy Furniture

Puppies are adorable, but they will chew everything in your house into slobbery confetti. Even older dogs, if not properly trained, will retain destructive habits. Tell your dog what is acceptable and not acceptable from the start. When you see destructive behavior, work on training your pet immediately. No dog is too wild or too old to learn better behaviors. Here are several tips to consider in your task.

Mark the Furniture

Use a technique that many animals already use in the wild. Mark your furniture in the same way that animals mark their territories. Spray the furniture with a scent that dogs don't like, such as citrus, mothballs and chilli pepper. Dogs have a very strong sense of smell and will likely stay away from the area.

Enroll in Professional Training

Have a professional teach your dog to stay away from furniture. Enroll him or her in an obedience school, and get advice from professional dog trainers who work with pets of different breeds, sizes and ages. A professional will work with the most timid animals and the most aggressive, dangerous ones. Use their experience to help your pet and improve the quality of your household.

Vocal Commands

Try using vocal commands to make basic communications to your dog. Sometimes, a direct command is more effective than a passive sign of disapproval. Shout whenever the dog reaches over to scratch the furniture. Speak loudly and take an approach that is assertive without being too aggressive.

Give Them Chew Toys

Provide chew toys as both deterrents and distractions. Redirect your pet's attention from destroying furniture to destroying toys that you provide. Keep a close eye on the dog, and look for major improvements in behavior. Some pets tend to lose interest in their toys quickly, so continue to buy new ones when needed.

Do Not Punish the Dog

Most importantly, do not punish a misbehaving dog too harshly. Avoid hitting the dog or scaring them to keep away from the furniture. Do not change your pet's body by cutting its toenails to prevent scratching or by requiring that it wear a muzzle or cutting its teeth. The dog must learn how to change his or her behavior, and that does not happen during punishment.

Some dogs like to sit on furniture but don't realize that they're damaging it. Other dogs are naturally unruly and refuse to behave decently. Regardless of why your dog is misbehaving, there are effective ways to change it. Rely on the advice of professional dog trainers to help your pet overcome the bad habits that occur at home.